Legislation introduced to create combat sport commission

he provincial government has introduced legislation that will lead to the creation of the New Brunswick Combat Sport Commission.

The announcement of the Combat Sports Act was made last week by Healthy and Inclusive Communities Minister Dorothy Shephard.

"The Combat Sports Act will regulate professional and amateur combat sport events," said Shephard. "The act also establishes a commission that will be responsible for making sure fighters are licensed, healthy, make their weight class and that officials are qualified."

The act also includes exceptions for amateur judo, boxing, wrestling, taekwondo and karate as those sports are already governed by provincial organizations.

The commission will be composed of four members, one of which will be a medical practitioner. Members will be appointed through the agencies, boards and commissions process to ensure transparency.

"The health and safety of the athletes is of the utmost importance," said Shephard. "By enacting legislation, government is attempting to mitigate the risks. We have come up with a model that will ensure combat sport events are well-regulated."

When the draft regulations are ready, they will be posted online for public review and comment.